Abafazi
Abafazi means "the women" in Zulu.
Established in 1987 by Ricca Turgel, a product designer, Abafazi
combines traditional South African design elements and natural raw
materials such as mohair and ostrich feathers to reflect international
design trends.
They are committed to creating new job
opportunities in rural areas of South Africa with an emphasis on
training and empowering women, encouraging and guiding them to adapt
their ancient tribal images to modern uses. They export to several
countries.
Absolute Furnishings
Absolute Furnishing expertly crafts wood, wrought iron, rattan and cane into a wide array of modern furniture. The pieces are superbly finished and environmentally friendly, produced using only reforested hardwood, non-chemical wood finishing techniques and water-based stains. Absolute also boasts Ghana’s leading upholstery department and has trained more than forty furniture makers.
http://www.absolutefurnishings.net
Africa Silks
Silk and angora throws, mulberry silk cushions and other uniquely textured silk treasures are produced by Africa Silks at its own silk farm in Graskop. Much of the silk used comes from two Mopani worm varieties whose hard, nut-like cocoons must be harvested from trees and softened underground in wet Hessian bags before being spun. This creates employment for women in the mountain regions of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, fostering skills and sustainable practices across South Africa.
http://www.africasilks.com
[email protected]
Gone Rural
Gone Rural embraces the vitality and
artistic spirit of women living in rural Swaziland to create innovative,
high-end décor products for discerning clients.
Inspired by the vision of designer Philippa Thorne, indigenous grass has
been transformed into a global sensation. Gone Rural’s range
has been featured by leading magazines, such as Elle Decoration,
and imparts a fresh elegance to homes and chic boutiques around the
world.
The soulful sophistication of Gone Rural’s design is
matched only by the social and environmental consciousness of the
company, which is an accredited World Fair Trade Organization.
http://www.goneruralswazi.com
[email protected]
Kubu
Kubu designer furniture embodies
Africa’s energy, texture and soul.
Kubu is inspired by a desire to celebrate Africa’s natural
beauty, showcase its cultural heritage and delight clients with
unsurpassed reliability and product quality.
Each Kubu creation is born from indigenous teak and rosewood
sourced from environmentally responsible, licensed suppliers.
Reinterpreting the sculptural artistry of traditional wood furniture
with modern techniques and contemporary aesthetics, Kubu has established
itself as a premier supplier to discerning buyers and upmarket lodges.
http://www.kubucrafts.com
[email protected]
zenzulu
Visionary designer Marisa Fick-Jordaan
embraces inventive possibility and the skillful artistry of the human
hand to breathe life into ideas. Fusing time, traditions, techniques and
technologies, Fick-Jordaan created zenzulu and the contemporary design
aesthetic renowned as woven telephone wire art and décor.
zenzulu connects traditional Zulu weaving techniques with modern
industrial telephone wire, resourcefully repurposing the material for
new applications and new forms. This fusion creates innovative,
authentic, highly prized contemporary design pieces such as woven
vessels, lace platters and the new Nature range. zenzulu offers both a
specialty range and custom design creations.
http://www.zenzulu.co.za
[email protected]
Source: Design Africa
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